In a statement issued today, Father Paul Dempsey PP, and Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Achonry, has announced that his Episcopal Ordination scheduled for Sunday 19 April has been postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Father Dempsey said, “It is with regret that we have had to postpone my Episcopal Ordination as Bishop of Achonry which was planned for Sunday 19 April. I requested the postponement in light of the coronavirus pandemic. I have asked that the ceremony be rescheduled until sometime in the summer. This decision has been difficult but it would not have been appropriate to proceed with the ordination at this time.
“The decision has been made in consultation with the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okola, and with the Diocese of Achonry. I am grateful to Archbishop Okolo and to the priests, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Achonry for their patience and understanding as we deal with the unprecedented consequences of Covid-19 in our country and in our world.
Bisho-elect Dempsey said he is grateful to Bishop Denis Nulty, who has asked him to continue for the moment as parish priest of Saint Conleth’s Parish in Newbridge, Co Kildare.
Concluding his statement Bishop-elect Dempsey asked for prayers at this time for all those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
ENDS
